“As with recent announcements from such frequent travel loyalty programs as Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, Delta Air Lines SkyMiles, and United Airlines MileagePlus, the team members of Alaska Airlines seem to be doing whatever they can to provide maximum flexibility to you and other customers — as well as members of the Mileage Plan frequent flier loyalty program…”
American Airlines Extends Status and Benefits For Everyone: 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic — But…
The paragraph you just read was from this article at The Gate pertaining to Alaska Airlines extending elite level status and benefits for everyone due to the impact on travel by the 2019 Novel Coronavirus pandemic; and although American Airlines seems like the last holdout of the legacy airlines which are based in the United States, the airline announced similar policies, according to this announcement at its official Internet web site — but some news which may not be considered friendly to customers is included.
The latest information from American Airlines pertains to updates with regards to the extensions of elite level status and benefits for everyone.
Status of Benefits of Premier Elite Level Status
Your benefits are automatically being extended with no effort or input required on your part as a member of the American Airlines AAdvantage frequent flier loyalty program — including:
- If your current elite status expires on Sunday, January 31, 2021, the expiration date will automatically be extended until Monday, January 31, 2022. You will continue to enjoy all the benefits that come with your elite level status; and you can earn a higher level of elite status through reduced elite qualification requirements this year. Membership accounts will be updated by Friday, May 15, 2020.
- Thresholds for elite level status qualification are being reduced for each status level for the 2021 status year to ensure that earning an even higher elite status tier is easier. You will be able to qualify for a higher elite status level in 2020 with lower requirements for earning Elite Qualifying Dollars, Elite Qualifying Miles, and Elite Qualifying Segments. Elite level status qualification for 2020 is as follows:
| Qualifying Metric | Gold — oneworld Ruby |
Platinum — oneworld Sapphire | Platinum Pro — oneworld Sapphire |
Executive Platinum — oneworld Emerald |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Qualifying Dollars | $1,500.00 — reduced from $3,000.00 | $4,000.00 — reduced from $6,000.00 | $6,000.00 — reduced from $9,000.00 | $9,000.00 — reduced from $15,000.00 |
| Elite Qualifying Miles | 15,000 — reduced from 25,000 | 30,000 — reduced from 50,000 | 45,000 — reduced from 75,000 | 60,000 — reduced from 100,000 |
| Elite Qualifying Segments | 15 — reduced from 30 | 30 — reduced from 60 | 45 — reduced from 90 | 60 — reduced from 120 |
Lowering Elite Qualifying Mile Thresholds for Executive Platinum Rewards
If you qualify for Executive Platinum elite level status this year, the thresholds required to earn a choice of one reward per level of earning Elite Qualifying Miles will be reduced for the year 2020 effective as of Friday, May 15, 2020, for if you reach:
- 90,000 Elite Qualifying Miles — reduced from 150,000 Elite Qualifying Miles — you may choose from:
-
- Two systemwide upgrades
- 40,000 bonus AAdvantage miles
- Gift of AAdvantage Gold elite level status
- 120,000 Elite Qualifying Miles — reduced from 200,000 Elite Qualifying Miles — you may choose from:
-
- Two systemwide upgrades
- 40,000 bonus AAdvantage miles
- Gift of AAdvantage Platinum elite level status
- 150,000 Elite Qualifying Miles — reduced from 250,000 Elite Qualifying Miles — you may choose from:
-
- Two systemwide upgrades
- 40,000 bonus AAdvantage miles
- Gift of AAdvantage Platinum elite level status
Extending Expiration of Systemwide Upgrades
Any unused systemwide upgrades with an expiration date of Sunday, January 31, 2021 will be automatically extended through Saturday, July 31, 2021.
While we’re not awarding new systemwide upgrades with the extension of Executive Platinum elite level status, members who qualify or re-qualify for Executive Platinum elite level status in 2020 will receive four systemwide upgrades valid through Monday, January 31, 2022.
Accounts will be updated by Friday, May 15, 2020.
Reach Million Miler Lifetime Elite Level Status
Via a promotion for a limited time from Friday, May 1, 2020 through Thursday, December 31, 2020, every dollar spent on net purchases will count as one mile toward Million Miler lifetime elite level status for all eligible Citi / AAdvantage and AAdvantage Aviator products — as well as select AAdvantage credit cards outside the United States.
This emulates the days when all earnings of AAdvantage miles used to count towards Million Miler status — but this benefit is for the aforementioned cardholders only.
Extension of Memberships to Admirals Club
All Admirals Club lounge memberships which are valid as of Sunday, March 1, 2020 — as well as new Admirals Club memberships which are purchased between Sunday, March 1, 2020 and Sunday, May 31, 2020 — will be automatically extended by six months.
American Airlines Vacations Credit
Effective as of Wednesday, July 1, 2020, AAdvantage members who have earned elite level status will receive a special one-time credit of up to $400.00 — which will be based on the level of elite status as of Tuesday, June 30, 2020 — and once the credit is received, it can be immediately used towards the purchase of an American Airlines Vacations package.
| Elite Level Status | Credit Amount |
|---|---|
| Gold | $300.00 |
| Platinum and Platinum Pro | $350.00 |
| Executive Platinum | $400.00 |
Award Reinstatement and Change Fee Waivers for Award Travel Tickets
Award reinstatement and change fees for award tickets which are booked by Sunday, May 31, 2020 for travel through Wednesday, September 30, 2020 will be waived.
For award travel ticketed on or after Monday, June 1, 2020, award reinstatement and change fees will be waived when the change is implemented at least 60 days before travel. A new fee structure will apply to changes implemented with fewer than 60 days prior to travel as follows:
| Elite Level Status | Change at a Minimum of 60 Days Prior to Travel | Change at a Minimum of 7 Days — But Fewer Than 60 Days — Prior to Travel | Fewer Than 7 Days Prior to Travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Platinum | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Platinum Pro | $0 | $50.00 | $75.00 |
| Platinum | $0 | $75.00 | $100.00 |
| Gold | $0 | $100.00 | $125.00 |
| Regular Member | $0 | $125.00 | $150.00 |
Fees apply to each award ticket which is either changed or reinstated.
Fees vary by elite level status of the member using AAdvantage miles from his or her membership account and the number of days prior to departure of the first changed or canceled flight in the original trip.
The flight award change fee or reinstatement fee will be waived for:
- Members using more AAdvantage miles to purchase a higher cabin on the same flight or flights.
- Executive Platinum members using AAdvantage miles from their membership accounts — including for Web Special awards.
Summary
Of the legacy airlines which are based in the United States, only American Airlines is charging award reinstatement and change fees for award travel which is ticketed on or after Monday, June 1, 2020 if the changes or award reinstatement is implemented within 60 days for many members of the AAdvantage frequent flier loyalty program, which may be seen as unfriendly to those affected customers. Should those fees be waived for all members — regardless of when they are implemented?
This article is the latest in a series pertaining to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus — which is also known as COVID-19 or 2019-nCoV or SARS-CoV-2 — pandemic in an effort to get the facts out with information derived from reliable sources…
…as well as attempt to maintain a reasoned and sensible ongoing discussion towards how to resolve this pandemic.
Other articles at The Gate which pertain to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus include:
- I Feel Bad For…
- Where Can You Find Gasoline for 89 Cents Per Gallon or Less April 11 2020 in the United States?
- Visitors Required to Complete Declaration When Traveling to This State
- 5 Ways to Prevent Yourself From Being Scammed During the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic
- Latest Travel Advisory April 7 2020 From the Department of State of the United States
- Marriott Extends Status and Points For Everyone; Flexible Reservation Policy Updates: 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic
- Alaska Airlines Extends Status and Benefits For Everyone: 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic
- How to Save Up to 55 Percent on Restaurant Quality Steaks — Or Possibly More — But Hurry
- 8 Reasons to Be Careful About Buying Gift Cards Right Now…
- Yes, Marriott Insiders Forum HAS Shut Down and Moved
- United Airlines Extends Status and Benefits For Everyone: 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic
- Headspace Meditation and Mindfulness Trial Offer With World of Hyatt
- Where Can You Find Gasoline for 99 Cents Per Gallon or Less April 5 2020 in the United States?
- Delta Air Lines Extends Status and Benefits For Everyone: 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic
- Delta Air Lines Extends Ability to Rebook Up to 2 Years on Travel Impacted by 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- Cyber Security Scam Alert Issued by the World Health Organization
- Hyatt Extends Status and Points For Everyone; Flexible Reservation Policy Updates: 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic
- Return to the United States NOW or Stay Abroad Indefinitely, Department of State Warns Citizens
- Face Covering? No Face Mask? Why Seemingly Conflicting Information From Two Reliable Sources
- No New Passport Applications Accepted Except for Emergency Situations Due to 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- Airlines are Obligated to Provide Prompt Refunds to Customers: Enforcement Notice 2020 From the Department of Transportation of the United States
- Should We Shut Down the World Every Three Years? Setting a Precedent With 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic
- 2019 Novel Coronavirus is Not an April Fool’s Day Joke, Unfortunately
- Why You Should NOT Skip Credit Card Payments During the Pandemic
- Are Some Room Rates Not Being Reduced Because of Discrimination?
- What is the Difference Between Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing?
- One Way Rental Car Offers in the United States 2020 — 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- Where Can You Find Gasoline for Less Than 90 Cents Per Gallon in the United States?
- Get 10 Percent Additional Value When Exchanging for Future Travel Voucher With Qatar Airways
- What is Wrong With This Photograph? Part 34: Coronavirus Edition
- Is Sheltering in Place Ordinance Unconstitutional? Man Sues Local Government
- One Illogically Irrational Aspect of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic is…
- Updated Policies of 23 Lodging Companies Worldwide: 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic
- More States Where You Can Find Gasoline for 99 Cents Per Gallon
- Do You Miss Dining on Airline Food? This Can Help…
- Do Not Read This Article. Take a Walk Instead. If You Can.
- Hilton Extends Status and Points For Everyone; Flexible Reservation Policy Updates: 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic
- 5 Reasons Why I Have Not Changed Anything Despite 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- Revealing Parts of My Body to Help With Pandemic of 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- 2 Reliable Resources of Countries With Travel Entry Restrictions Due to 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- Most Restaurants Now Offer Free Delivery. What About the Gratuity?
- Most Trusted Traveler Programs Enrollment Temporarily Suspended Due to 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- Where Can You Find Gasoline for 99 Cents Per Gallon in the United States?
- Have We Become a Society of Wimps Addicted to Drama?
- Four Overused Terms of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Era
- Several Rental Car Companies Waive Young Adult Fees Due to 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- National Park Service Suspends All Entrance Fees Due To Coronavirus Pandemic
- Passport Services Delayed Beyond 8 Weeks; Expedited Passport Services Suspended Indefinitely
- Global Level 4 Health Advisory Issued by Department of State of the United States
- What is Wrong With This Photograph? Part 30: Coronavirus Edition
- Countries With Travel Entry Restrictions Due to 2019 Novel Coronavirus: An Updated Comprehensive List
- 2019 Novel Coronavirus: Should You Travel Within the United States?
- $250 Billion Bailout Requested by Lodging Companies
- Countries With Travel Entry Restrictions Due to 2019 Novel Coronavirus: A Comprehensive List
- $50 Billion Bailout Requested by Airlines; Trump to “Back the Airlines 100%”
- Global Level 3 Health Advisory Issued by Department of State of the United States
- All Domestic Travel Banned For Personnel of Department of Defense of the United States
- March 15 2020: Checking Back In on 2019 Novel Coronavirus — My Opinions, If Anyone Cares
- Hotel Deploys Robots to Sanitize and Disinfect Rooms
- Ireland and the United Kingdom Added to Suspension for Most Foreign Nationals For 30 Days From Europe to the United States
- Change Fee and Cancellation Fee Policies and Waivers of 46 Airlines Due To 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- Up to 12 Ounces of Hand Sanitizer is Permitted Through Airport Security Checkpoints
- I Swear, If I Receive One More Message About How My Health and Safety are Their Top Priority…
- Four Reliable Resources For Travel and the 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- Just Shut Down the Entire Planet. Problem Solved?
- Stop the Hyperbole: Travel is NOT Banned Between the United States and Europe…
- Travel From Europe to the United States Suspended for Most Foreign Nationals For 30 Days
- My Unproven Secret to Not Contracting a Virus in Years
- Pandemic of 2019 Novel Coronavirus Declared by World Health Organization
- Official Warning Issued Against Travel by Cruise Ship Due to 2019 Novel Coronavirus by the Department of State of the United States
- Now the Entire Country of Italy is Under Quarantine
- 16 Million People Quarantined in Northern Italy
- Are Masks Effective Against 2019 Novel Coronavirus That People are Stealing Them?
- As Many as 46,000 People May Have Died in the United States Alone From…
- Lodging Companies Issue Travel Waivers and Elite Status Extensions 2020 Due to 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- Update: More Airlines Suspended Change and Cancellation Fees 2020 Due To Coronavirus
- Airlines Which Suspended Change and Cancellation Fees 2020 Due To Coronavirus
- Should You Be Concerned About Coronavirus?
- Travel Alert February 2020: Italy Now Affected by 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- Travel Alert February 2020: Northern Italy Now Affected by 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- Travel Alert February 2020: South Korea Now Affected by 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- A Deal to Antarctica Because of 2019 Novel Coronavirus — But Hurry
- Update: Do Not Travel to China Due to 2019 Novel Coronavirus, Says United States Department of State
- Travel Alert January 2020: Hong Kong Now Affected by 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- Update January 2020: Additional Airlines Issue Travel Waivers for 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- Travel Alert January 2020: 2019 Novel Coronavirus Affecting Air Travel
All photographs ©2018 and ©2019 by Brian Cohen.
